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Of Morals and Markets: Social Exchange and Poverty in Contemporary Urban Mexico

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  • Mercedes González de la Rocha

Abstract

Based on longitudinal ethnographic research in Guadalajara, Mexico, from the 1980s to present, I argue that there has been a significant change in the availability of mutual help or support networks for the economically disadvantaged. As time and income have become increasingly scarce, people who used to find support in reciprocal social relationships now find that support-givers are in no position to provide assistance for free. Now, people experiencing scarcity find that they must pay for help formerly available through social relations. In other words, care within the family, in contexts of urban poverty, is becoming a commodity. A paradox arises for those who have fewer resources: they are excluded by the market economy, and by resorting to mercantilist values to survive, they are violating moral principles and norms that exclude them even more from social exchange.

Suggested Citation

  • Mercedes González de la Rocha, 2020. "Of Morals and Markets: Social Exchange and Poverty in Contemporary Urban Mexico," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 689(1), pages 26-45, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:689:y:2020:i:1:p:26-45
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716220916700
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Chambers & Deepa Narayan & Meera K. Shah & Patti Petesch, 2000. "Voices of the Poor : Crying Out for Change," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 13848, April.
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